sizing chart

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Lightweight food and water for endurance athletes.

When you feel yourself begin to bonk midway through your race or training session, reach into the mesh-bodied Mountain Hardwear Fluid Race Vest pocket for some energy goo. This low-profile, wide-shouldered race vest features multiple easy-access pockets for your gear, dual chest straps, and a hydration sleeve with multiple ports so you always have food and drink at the ready.

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Great Minimalist vest

Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I purchased this race for a supported 25+ mile trail race with major elevation change (for Pennsylvania). It worked great. Pockets were definitely small but with some planning they each had a purpose. I carried a 2L water bladder, one crushable water bottle for electrolytes and used the second water pocket for a couple gels and my salt tablets. Back middle pocket doesn't fit much- I only kept a small first aid kit.

I felt it was true to size. I'm 5'9" 175ish and the m/l was perfect. No chafing. That being said when removing from box it looked like it would not fit my 12 year old daughter.

I have used the Ultimate direction (SJ ultra vest 2.0) and liked that one better. But that vest is now an older model and twice as much.

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Minimal Vest

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

This has been a fantastic pack in my experience. It's super lightweight and comfortable due to the perfectly snug fit. I'm 5'6" about 130 lbs and have the S/M size. Even when packed to the brim the fit is great and I get almost no bounce from the contents.

All that being said, this is for sure a minimal running pack. There will be some variance but as Jesse M. said in a previous review, 5-6 hour outings are about the limit for this piece of gear. If you're looking to bump up in carrying capacity, I'd check out the Ultimate Direction AK Mountain 3.0 or the Salomon S-Lab ADV Skin3 12 Pack Set.

This doesn't come with bottles for the front pockets, so I would definitely recommend picking some up while you're checking out. I have some Salomon 16 oz soft flasks now, but because the pockets are low I will be trying the UltrAspire Collapsible Water Bottle soon (for the long straw). Just to recap, this pack is killer for a minimal option, definitely a worthy purchase.

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Little Vest Packs A Big Punch

Familiarity: I've used it several times

First things first, I am not in the same caliber as the other reviewers when it comes to cardiovascular capability. My full runs are probably what the other reviewers are doing when they sprain their ankle and just need to stay tuned up. I live in the hot, dry desert and needed a solution for carrying some water so I don't die. I tried everything else I had at home already before buying this Mountain Hardwear vest. I tried an ultralight hiking pack with a bladder but the straps were not in the right place for a long run and I decided I don't like running with a big bladder full of water sloshing around on my back. I tried a fanny pack with a couple water bottles in it but I didn't like where that sat on my waist and it was awkward trying to get the bottles out while running and zipping and unzipping. I saw some vests at a local outdoor retailer but the price seemed too steep for me at the novice level. I was first excited about the price of the Fluid Race Vest, I wore it around the house a bit when it first arrived and I liked were everything fit once I had it on. The front pockets still allow my arms to swing unencumbered while I await my first asthma attack. I tried out some different bottles and then one day while perusing the selection at my local liquor store I saw some disposable flasks that had just the shape as the front bottle pockets. I grabbed the flasks and some Jack but midway through the maiden voyage with that combo I decided the alcohol wasn't the best choice(but the fluid race vest and loose fitting flannel might just be the ticket to smuggling stuff into a location with tight security where a man with a european carryall might be subject to an extra search). I upgraded to some GSI Outdoor Flasks, 10oz size and opted to fill them with ice and water on subsequent excursions. These flasks fit perfectly in the front pockets without inhibiting my movement or making me look like I've got cans on my chest. I can get them in and out of the pockets with one hand which I don't think would be possible with a bottle with softer sides and if I used both hands to put the bottle in I'm sure my equilibrium would suffer, leading to someone else having some excellent footage of me going face first into the pavement somewhere. The velcro pocket on the front shoulder strap is great for my albuterol inhaler and the zippered pocket on the other side is excellent for holding some cash to hit up the ice cream truck or flag down an empty uber when my shin splints flare up. This vest is little but that is what it is designed for. It gently frames my larger than normal abdominal area which means it is likely good for pregnant women too. There are larger products out there but then again if you need something larger you are probably on an overnighter and not trail run so you should have asked your friend, that said they were taking care of everything, a couple more questions about where and for how long you were going.

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Great pack, good fit

This pack is great. I have used it on many of my mid distance ultra training runs when I know weather is not going to be an issue. Does not come with bottles so I picked up a couple soft flasks and they fit great in the front pockets. The back pocket has enough room for all my nutrition, phone, and a long sleeve. Only complaint is that it has loops for a bungie system but no bungie. Going to try and rig something up in order to carry a rain jacket as the back pocket isn't big enough to stuff a water proof shell. I'm 6'3 175 and the M/L fit is perfect. Not sure what some of the other sizing complaints are about. Worn without a shirt for 20 miles in the mountains and no rubbing. Everything stays in place and is secure.

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Tiny

Familiarity: I returned this product before using it

I love mountain hardwear product, think they do a great job at hitting quality and price point. This is a great vest for someone with your "typical" runner's build. I tried this on and couldn't even git it to button up. It is definitely sized small. So if you're the 150 lb guy who run's all day long it will do the trick. But if you're the burly giant turned runner look elsewhere (Salomon works for us).

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A solid choice for longer runs

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

I have used this vest on many 3+ hr runs and one 8+ hr run over 3 months. I typically use a 50L bladder for 3 hr runs and add a 24oz bottle for longer outings. I carry about 200 calories/hour on such runs. I typically carry a small blister kit and of course a little TP for emergencies. This pack works great for this.

The vest remains comfortable regardless of load or sweating. I think the wide shoulder straps, side elastic design and adjustable double front straps works very well. Even on hot days I didnt feel any hotter for having the vest on.

The bladder pocket is made for a 50L bladder and you can cram in a pair of socks too but that is about it. You can route the hose under arm or over shoulder to either side in a low profile manner. There are 4 front pockets. The two low ones can easily accommodate standard size 24 oz bottles or lots of snacks but not both in any one pocket. The upper pockets seem ridiculously small at first but the zippered one holds a small blister kit and a tube of lip balm fine and the velcro one just barely holds a handheld GPS or full sized cell phone. There is also a small zippered pocket low on the back that holds keys, some TP or other small stuff. You can add bungee or cord to the back to hold a rain or wind shell or some other small amount of gear you might need.

The front pocket sizing is the limiting factor for self supported outings. For me, I was able to go 6-6.5 hours with a bladder, one 24 oz bottle and the other large front pocket full of snacks. Obviously this is subjective but Im throwing it out there as a ballpark planning factor.

Finally, the price is fantastic for what you get. It was a major decision factor for me and Im not disappointed.

While Ive seen some other cool vests out there, Id buy this one again. Its well built and has a great price point.

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Anything else you can share that you've learned would be much appreciated. Running 13 miles on trails so far, am going to venture further. Your comments help tremendously and I can spend more time running than learning the ropes. Thank you!!

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If I was a runner...

I would purchase this hydration vest. Mainly because of the simple design. It is light weight, highly breathable yet can carry all the essentials needed while on a long trail run. If you put a lot of miles out there on the trail, think about this as a purchase to add to your gear closet.

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I can see some slimmer water bottles fitting in the front pockets. Nothing too wide like a nalgene or hydroflask. Maybe look into getting some Platypus Platy Softbottles, they are nice, compact and easy to use when on the go. http://www.backcountry.com/platypus-platy-plus-bottle?ti=U2VhcmNoIFJlc3VsdHM6d2F0ZXIgYm90dGxlOjE6MTp3YXRlciBib3R0bGU&skid=CAS002M-REDA-S05L